U.S. patent application number 14/216166 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for sensor calibration based on device use state.
This patent application is currently assigned to Plantronics, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Plantronics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cary Bran, Erik Perotti.
Application Number | 20150260754 14/216166 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54068599 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150260754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perotti; Erik ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
SENSOR CALIBRATION BASED ON DEVICE USE STATE
Abstract
Some embodiments feature a wearable device, and software
therefor, comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first
sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second
sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether
the wearable device is being worn based on the first sensor signal,
and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that
the wearable device is being worn. Some embodiments feature a
holdable device comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a
first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second
sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether
the holdable device is being held based on the first sensor signal,
and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that
the holdable device is being held.
Inventors: |
Perotti; Erik; (Santa Cruz,
CA) ; Bran; Cary; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Plantronics, Inc. |
Santa Cruz |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Plantronics, Inc.
Santa Cruz
CA
|
Family ID: |
54068599 |
Appl. No.: |
14/216166 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/163 20130101;
H04R 3/00 20130101; G01P 21/00 20130101; H04R 1/1041 20130101; G06F
1/1694 20130101; H04R 2201/023 20130101; G06F 1/1633 20130101; H04R
2499/11 20130101; H04R 1/028 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01P 21/00 20060101
G01P021/00; H04R 1/08 20060101 H04R001/08; G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; G01P 15/14 20060101 G01P015/14 |
Claims
1. A wearable device comprising: a first sensor configured to
provide a first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to
provide a second sensor signal; and a processor configured to i)
determine whether the wearable device is being worn based on the
first sensor signal, and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive
to determining that the wearable device is being worn.
2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein: the processor is
further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after determining that the wearable
device is being worn.
3. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein: the processor is
further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after the wearable device is powered
on.
4. The wearable device of claim 1, further comprising: a third
sensor configured to provide a third sensor signal; wherein the
processor is further configured to i) determine a motion of the
wearable device based on the third sensor signal; and ii) calibrate
the second sensor responsive to the motion of the wearable device
being less than a threshold motion.
5. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the second sensor
comprises at least one of: a microphone; an accelerometer; a
gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a biometric sensor.
6. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the first sensor
comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp
detector.
7. The wearable device of claim 1, further comprising at least one
of: a headset; a bracelet; a necklace; a ring; and a garment.
8. A holdable device comprising: a first sensor configured to
provide a first sensor signal; a second sensor configured to
provide a second sensor signal; and a processor configured to i)
determine whether the holdable device is being held based on the
first sensor signal, and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive
to determining that the holdable device is being held.
9. The holdable device of claim 8, wherein: the processor is
further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after determining that the holdable
device is being held.
10. The holdable device of claim 8, wherein: the processor is
further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after the holdable device is powered
on.
11. The holdable device of claim 8, further comprising: a third
sensor configured to provide a third sensor signal; wherein the
processor is further configured to i) determine a motion of the
holdable device based on the third sensor signal; and ii) calibrate
the second sensor responsive to the motion of the holdable device
being less than a threshold motion.
12. The holdable device of claim 8, wherein the second sensor
comprises at least one of: a microphone; an accelerometer; a
gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a biometric sensor.
13. The holdable device of claim 8, wherein the first sensor
comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp
detector.
14. The holdable device of claim 8, further comprising at least one
of: sports equipment; toys; and tools.
15. Computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a
computer in a device to perform functions comprising: receiving a
first sensor signal from a first sensor; receiving a second sensor
signal from a second sensor; determining whether the device is
being worn or held based on the first sensor signal; and
calibrating the second sensor responsive to determining that the
device is being worn or held.
16. The computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the functions
further comprise: calibrating the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after determining that the device is
being worn or held.
17. The computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the functions
further comprise: calibrating the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after the device is powered on.
18. The computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the functions
further comprise: receiving a third sensor signal from a third
sensor; determining a motion of the device based on the third
sensor signal; and calibrating the second sensor responsive to the
motion of the device being less than a threshold motion.
19. The computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the second
sensor comprises at least one of: a microphone; an accelerometer; a
gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a biometric sensor.
20. The computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein the first
sensor comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp
detector.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
electronic devices having calibratable sensors. More particularly,
the present disclosure relates to calibration of such sensors.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A plethora of electronic devices are now available, many
with sensors that require calibration. For example, many
smartphones are now equipped with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and
the like. Such sensors must be calibrated occasionally to maintain
their accuracy. Without proper calibration, the outputs of such
sensors may drift, thereafter producing erroneous measurements.
SUMMARY
[0003] In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a wearable
device comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first
sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second
sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether
the wearable device is being worn based on the first sensor signal,
and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that
the wearable device is being worn.
[0004] Embodiments of the wearable device can include one or more
of the following features. In some embodiments, the processor is
further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after determining that the wearable
device is being worn. In some embodiments, the processor is further
configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a selected
interval elapsing after the wearable device is powered on. Some
embodiments comprise a third sensor configured to provide a third
sensor signal; wherein the processor is further configured to i)
determine a motion of the wearable device based on the third sensor
signal; and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to the
motion of the wearable device being less than a threshold motion.
In some embodiments, the second sensor comprises at least one of: a
microphone; an accelerometer; a gyroscope; an environmental sensor;
and a biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor
comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp detector.
Some embodiments comprise a headset; a bracelet; a necklace; a
ring; and a garment.
[0005] In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a holdable
device comprising: a first sensor configured to provide a first
sensor signal; a second sensor configured to provide a second
sensor signal; and a processor configured to i) determine whether
the holdable device is being held based on the first sensor signal,
and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to determining that
the holdable device is being held.
[0006] Embodiments of the holdable device can include one or more
of the following features. In some embodiments, the processor is
further configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a
selected interval elapsing after determining that the holdable
device is being held. In some embodiments, the processor is further
configured to calibrate the second sensor responsive to a selected
interval elapsing after the holdable device is powered on. Some
embodiments comprise a third sensor configured to provide a third
sensor signal; wherein the processor is further configured to i)
determine a motion of the holdable device based on the third sensor
signal; and ii) calibrate the second sensor responsive to the
motion of the holdable device being less than a threshold motion.
In some embodiments, the second sensor comprises at least one of: a
microphone; an accelerometer; a gyroscope; an environmental sensor;
and a biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor
comprises at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp detector.
Some embodiments comprise at least one of: sports equipment; toys;
and tools.
[0007] In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features
computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a
computer in a device to perform functions comprising: receiving a
first sensor signal from a first sensor; receiving a second sensor
signal from a second sensor; determining whether the device is
being worn or held based on the first sensor signal; and
calibrating the second sensor responsive to determining that the
device is being worn or held.
[0008] Embodiments of the computer-readable media can include one
or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the
functions further comprise: calibrating the second sensor
responsive to a selected interval elapsing after determining that
the device is being worn or held. In some embodiments, the
functions further comprise: calibrating the second sensor
responsive to a selected interval elapsing after the device is
powered on. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise:
receiving a third sensor signal from a third sensor; determining a
motion of the device based on the third sensor signal; and
calibrating the second sensor responsive to the motion of the
device being less than a threshold motion. In some embodiments, the
second sensor comprises at least one of: a microphone; an
accelerometer; a gyroscope; an environmental sensor; and a
biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the first sensor comprises
at least one of: a don/doff sensor; and a clasp detector.
[0009] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows elements of a headset according to one
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a process for the headset of FIG. 1 according
to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows elements of a golf club according to one
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a process for the golf club of FIG. 3 according
to one embodiment.
[0014] The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this
specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the
reference numeral first appears.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide sensor
calibration based on the use state of the device comprising the
sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor is only
calibrated when device is donned or held. In some embodiments, the
calibration is also delayed to allow time for the sensors to warm
up, for their measurements to stabilize, and the like. Other
features are contemplated as well.
[0016] In one example, a user one sits down at a gaming computer
and dons his headset. The headset automatically calibrates its
accelerometers and gyroscopes assuming the user is looking straight
ahead at a first-person shooter game.
[0017] In another example, a user sits down at a computer with
multiple monitors and dons her headset. The headset automatically
calibrates its accelerometers and gyroscopes assuming the user is
looking straight ahead at the primary monitor.
[0018] As another example, if a headset gyroscope becomes
misaligned, it is calibrated after the headset is doffed and
subsequently donned.
[0019] As another example, a wearable camera may be calibrated when
donned. For example, a camera mounted in a headset may be aligned
with the wearer's eye level.
[0020] Calibration of a wearable or holdable device may differ
based on whether the device is worn or held on the user's left or
right. For example, once it is determined on which hand a bracelet
with a text display is worn, calibration of the bracelet may
include orienting the text so as to be readable to the wearer.
[0021] In some embodiments, the device is a wearable device, and
sensor calibration is triggered when the device is worn. FIG. 1
shows elements of a headset 100 according to one embodiment.
Although in the described embodiment elements of the headset 100
are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature
other arrangements. For example, elements of the headset 100 may be
implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. As
another example, various elements of the headset 100 may be
implemented as one or more digital signal processors.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the headset 100 may include a
microphone 102, a loudspeaker 104, a don/doff sensor 106, one or
more transmitters 108, one or more receivers 110, a processor 112,
a memory 114, and a motion sensor 116. The headset 100 may include
other elements as well. The transmitters 108 and receivers 110 may
include wired and wireless transmitters 108 and receivers 110. The
elements of the headset 100 may be interconnected by direct
connections, by a bus 118, by a combination thereof, or the
like.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a process 200 for the headset 100 of FIG. 1
according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments
the elements of process 200 are presented in one arrangement, other
embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various
embodiments, some or all of the elements of process 200 may be
executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also
some elements of process 200 may not be performed, and may not be
executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of
the elements of process 200 may be performed automatically, that
is, without human intervention.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, at 202, the headset 100 is powered on.
That is, power is applied one or more elements of the headset 100.
At 204, the processor 112 may determine the use state of the
headset 100 based on signals received from the don/doff sensor 106.
That is, the processor 112 determines whether the headset 100 is
being worn based on the sensor signals. In one example, the
don/doff sensor 106 is a capacitive sensor. However, other sensors
may be used instead of, or in addition to, the capacitive sensor.
For example, an optical sensor may be used.
[0025] In some embodiments, at 206, the processor 112 may calibrate
the microphone 102 and/or the loudspeaker 104 responsive to
determining that the headset 100 is being worn. Any calibration
technique may be used. For example, to calibrate the microphone
102, the processor 112 may receive audio from the microphone, and
may calibrate the gain of the microphone 102 based on the received
audio.
[0026] At 208, the microphone 102 generates audio, for example
responsive to speech of a wearer of the headset 100. The audio may
be stored in the memory 114. At 210, one of the transmitters 108
may transmit a signal representing the audio. The signal may be
received by a user device such as a smartphone, which may transmit
the audio as part of a phone call. The process 200 may then resume,
at 204, for further calibration operations.
[0027] In some embodiments, at 212, the processor 112 may wait for
a selected "power-on" interval after the headset 100 is powered on
before calibrating the microphone 102 and/or the loudspeaker 104.
This interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the
interval may be selected to allow time for the microphone 102
and/or the loudspeaker 104 to warm up before calibration.
[0028] In some embodiments, at 214, the processor 112 may wait for
a selected "worn" interval after determining that the headset 100
is being worn before calibrating the microphone 102 and/or the
loudspeaker 104. This interval may be selected in any manner. For
example, the interval may be selected to allow time for sensor
measurements to stabilize before calibration.
[0029] In some embodiments, at 216, the processor 112 may wait for
the headset 100 to become relatively motionless before calibrating
the microphone 102 or other sensors. For example, the processor 112
may determine a motion of the headset 100 based on signals produced
by the motion sensor 116, and may wait for the motion to fall below
a threshold motion before calibrating the microphone 102 and/or the
loudspeaker 104. As another example, the processor 112 may
determine a motion of the headset 100 based on received signal
strength indications (RSSI) of radio signals received by the
headset 100, and may wait for the RSSI to stabilize before
calibrating the headset 100. In this example, calibrating may
include selecting one of several devices to turn on, for example
such as a TV set or the like.
[0030] The process 200 of FIG. 2 is applicable to any wearable
device and calibratable sensor. For example, the wearable devices
may include bracelets, rings, earrings, garments, and the like. The
calibratable sensors may include accelerometers, gyroscopes,
compasses, environmental sensors such as weather instruments,
biometric sensors such as heart monitors, and the like. The
don/doff sensors may include clasp detectors and the like, for
example to determined when a bracelet is clasped.
[0031] In some embodiments, the device is a holdable device, and
sensor calibration is triggered when the device is held. FIG. 3
shows elements of a golf club 300 according to one embodiment.
Although in the described embodiment elements of the golf club 300
are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature
other arrangements. For example, elements of the golf club 300 may
be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. As
another example, various elements of the golf club 300 may be
implemented as one or more digital signal processors.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the golf club 300 may include a club
head impact sensor 302, a grip sensor 306, one or more transmitters
308, a processor 312, a memory 314, and a motion sensor 316. The
golf club 300 may include other elements as well. The elements of
the golf club 300 may be interconnected by direct connections, by a
bus 318, by a combination thereof, or the like.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a process 400 for the golf club 300 of FIG. 3
according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments
the elements of process 400 are presented in one arrangement, other
embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various
embodiments, some or all of the elements of process 400 may be
executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also
some elements of process 400 may not be performed, and may not be
executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of
the elements of process 400 may be performed automatically, that
is, without human intervention.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, at 402, the golf club 300 is powered
on. That is, power is applied one or more elements of the golf club
300. At 404, the processor 312 may determine the use state of the
golf club 300 based on signals received from the grip sensor 306.
That is, the processor 312 determines whether the golf club 300 is
being held based on the sensor signals. In one example, the grip
sensor 306 is a capacitive sensor. However, other sensors may be
used instead of, or in addition to, the capacitive sensor.
[0035] In some embodiments, at 406, the processor 312 may calibrate
the club head impact sensor 302 responsive to determining that the
headset 300 is being held. Any calibration technique may be
used.
[0036] At 408, the club head impact sensor 302 generates sensor
data, for example responsive to the golf club 300 striking a golf
ball. The sensor data may be stored in the memory 314. At 410, one
of the transmitters 308 transmits a signal representing the sensor
data. The signal may be received by a user device such as a
smartphone, which the user may employ to review the sensor data.
The process 400 may then resume, at 404, for further calibration
operations.
[0037] In some embodiments, at 412, the processor 312 may wait for
a selected "power-on" interval after the golf club 300 is powered
on before calibrating the club head impact sensor 302. This
interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the interval
may be selected to allow time for the club head impact sensor 302
to warm up before calibration.
[0038] In some embodiments, at 414, the processor 312 may wait for
a selected "held" interval after determining that the golf club 300
is being held before calibrating the club head impact sensor 302.
This interval may be selected in any manner. For example, the
interval may be selected to allow time for sensor measurements to
stabilize before calibration.
[0039] In some embodiments, at 416, the processor 312 may wait for
the golf club 300 to become relatively motionless before
calibrating the club head impact sensor 302. For example, the
processor 312 may determine motion of the golf club 300 based on
signals produced by the motion sensor 316, and may wait for the
motion to fall below a threshold motion before calibrating the club
head impact sensor 302.
[0040] The process 400 of FIG. 4 is applicable to any holdable
device and calibratable sensor. For example, the holdable devices
may include sports equipment, toys, tools, and the like. The
calibratable sensors may include accelerometers, gyroscopes,
compasses, environmental sensors such as weather instruments,
biometric sensors, and the like.
[0041] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be
implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer
hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a
computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable
storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The
described processes may be performed by a programmable processor
executing a program of instructions to perform functions by
operating on input data and generating output. Embodiments of the
present disclosure may be implemented in one or more computer
programs that are executable on a programmable system including at
least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and
instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data
storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output
device. Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level
procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly
or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language may
be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include,
by way of example, both general and special purpose
microprocessors. Generally, processors receive instructions and
data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory.
Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices for
storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as
internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks;
optical disks, and solid-state disks. Storage devices suitable for
tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include
all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example
semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash
memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and
removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of
the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs
(application-specific integrated circuits). As used herein, the
term "module" may refer to any of the above implementations.
[0042] A number of implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing
from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other
implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *